Sea Cliff/Glen Head Herald 01-19-2023

history

‘Where’s George?’ campaign continues

By MICHAEL MALASZCZYK mmalaszczyk@liherald.com

U.S. Rep. George Santos has done an excellent job of staying out of the public eye during his first couple of weeks in Washington. When he returns home to Long Island, it might not be as easy.

Santos, who is at the center of a media firestorm for allegedly fabricating most of his resume during his campaign for Congress, is facing calls to resign from around the political world. The Nassau County Republican Party called on him to step down

Bonny celebration of poet Robert Burns set for Saturday

By WILL SHEELINE wsheeline@liherald.com

Robert Burns is widely celebrated as the greatest Scottish poet, and indeed one of the renowned poets in history. On Saturday, for the first time, St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, in Sea Cliff, will join communities around the world in celebrating the romantic poet’s writings and legacy with a Burns Night Supper and Celebration.

Burns, known familiarly as “Rabbie” in Scotland, was a pioneer of the Romantic Movement known for capturing the sound and soul of rural Scotland and Scottish history in the late 18th

century. Many of his works became famous, such as “Auld Lang Syne,” while his influence is subtly sprinkled throughout the American consciousness — for example, in John Steinbeck’s novel “Of Mice and Men,” which takes its name from a line of Burns’s poetry.

Burns Night, traditionally held on his birthday — Jan. 25 — is an unofficial national celebration in Scotland, and is widely celebrated in parts of America and other former British colonies with many Scottish descendants. While St. Luke’s’ Burns Night will not take place on his birthday, it will have many of the

JESSE LEBUS

classic features of traditional Burns Nights, including a wide range of fresh Scottish delicacies, according to event organiz-

er and church Mission Ministry Team member Kristine Janusas.

“Last week, myself and three other parishioners made homemade shortbread cookies, since one of the ladies, Arlene O’Dell, has a recipe that’s been passed on through her family,” Janusas said. “Another two parishioners actually ordered meat pies from a real Scottish market.”

Of course, no Burns supper would be complete without haggis. The iconic meat pudding, containing sheep heart, liver and lungs minced with various spices and cooked inside a sheep’s stomach, became the national dish of Scotland following the release of Burns’s poem “Address to a Haggis,” written in

Michael Malaszczyk/Herald

AIDAN DAVIS, A leader of the group Concerned Citizens of NY-03, with a sign likening U.S. Rep. George Santos’s reluctance to appear in public to ‘Where’s Waldo?’

pastor, St. Luke’s Episcopal Church

In addition, the evening will feature live bagpipe music performed by Sea Cliff’s own native Scotsman, Paul Haining, who grew up in the village of Mauchline, the home of Burns’ wife Jean. He will perform the “Address to a Haggis,” and explain that Burns truly captured the essence of what it means to be Scottish.

“His works really personify the Scottish culture and the virtues of the Scottish nature; that the people are pretty friendly, open, and have a good sense of humor,” Haining said. “He’s really at the core of the history and the development of the culture specific to the area I come from, southwest Scotland. I think because of the human aspect of his work, how we connect with it, and how the moral values resonates with many people across the world.”

The evening will also feature the first live performance since the beginning of the Covid pandemic of the Celtic folk band the Winfield Irregulars. The Irregulars, made up of Sea Cliff resident Joseph Hughes on guitar, Dan Maher on mandolin and Ian Moore on fiddle, perform traditional Scotch-Irish folk music, and for Burns Night the group has been preparing several songs written by Burns himself with lyrics in the Scots dialect the poet frequently wrote in.

“I find the language interesting,

because (Burns) helped to popularize and immortalize Scots as a language and did a lot to preserve it,” Hughes said. “I only had a passing familiarity with his writing, so it’s been a real education, you know, learning his songs, the words, a little bit of the history, and exploring the way other people have interpreted and recorded his work.”

Throughout the evening there will be readings of some of Burns’ most iconic poems, including “Address to a Haggis,” and ending with his most enduring piece, “Auld Lang Syne.” Attendees will also listen to the “toast to the lassies,” a tonguein-cheek salute to the women of the community which is written by a participant in the evening’s festivities.

St. Luke’s’ Burns Night will serve as the church’s first major fundraiser of the new year, with the money going to both the church’s upkeep as well as local charity groups for Sea Cliff residents in need. Jesse Lebus, the pastor of St. Luke’s, explained that the idea for doing a Burns Night fundraiser was inspired by his attendance of similar celebrations in the past.

“We were looking for a midwinter celebration, as a way to provide a reasonable evening out in terms of dinner and entertainment for the community,” Lebus continued. “When this idea was brought up, people just jumped at the chance to make it happen, because it sounded fun.”

Courtesy Scottish National Portrait Gallery

ROBERT BURNS, KNOWN affectionately as the ‘Bard of Ayrshire,’ is the most well-known Scottish poet in history. His works are celebrated at Burns Night celebrations around the world, and will be in Sea Cliff, too.

Uncovering the hidden history of Sea Cliff

By WILL SHEELINE wsheeline@liherald.com

While certainly not the oldest settlement on Long Island, the Village of Sea Cliff has a rich and unique history which can be easy to overlook. Even long-time residents and history lovers can be surprised by the sheer amount of interesting facts about their hometown, which features Methodists, theater stars, historic locations and even possibly bootleggers from the Prohibition Era.

Ed Lieberman, Sea Cliff’s former mayor, leads historic tours of Sea Cliff as well as other iconic Long Island sites such as the Culper Spy Trail and Sagamore Hill for senior citizen groups in the area in summer. He said that while he’s always been a lover of history, it wasn’t until he joined the village’s Board of Trustees that he really began to look into the unique story of Sea Cliff itself.

“I got the idea of doing a walking tour of Sea Cliff, with its history and architecture and what have you,” Lieberman said.

Although his original idea didn’t pan out, he now leads tours on a bus owned by one of the local senior groups during the summer.

Sea Cliff originally served as a summer retreat for Methodists from New York City, as a way to escape the sinful ways and the hustle and bustle of the big city. Thousands of Methodists would make their way to the future village, where they set up tents for the summer.

Lieberman explained that the original layout of the tent village influenced the later development of the village proper, giving Sea Cliff the curving and ad hoc street layout that it maintains to this day.

Another unique aspect of Sea Cliff’s history is its long legacy of supporting the arts, dating back to the 1940’s. Once the village became a popular summer destination for New York’s well-to-do, many early Broadway stars would follow them out of the city for the summer to perform at the

Sea Cliff Summer Theater.

“I think it was exciting for the village, that these actors would come and have like a several week run here,” Courtney Chambers, director of the Sea Cliff Village Museum, said. “But it also attracts a lot of traffic, and so people really didn’t like that. So it was sort of a love-hate relationship, which is something that Sea Cliff has always struggled with.”

Unfortunately, the theater burned down in 1956, and was subsequently built over in the following decades.

There are also several memorials to the numerous Sea Cliff residents who served and gave their lives in the United States Armed Forces in wars across the centuries which are scattered throughout the village. One honors a father and son, both named James F. Brengel, who gave their lives in World War I and World War II, respectively, and from whom the village’s American Legion group takes their name.

There is also a memorial to John Henry Geohegan, the only person from the village who served, and died, in the Spanish-American War. Geohegan’s monument is wrapped in an American flag, and its shape has led generations of Sea Cliff youth to dub the area its in “Headless Park.”

Sea Cliff’s Rum Point is another easily overlooked, although an undeniably scenic spot. Local legend has it that bootleggers and rum smugglers would land there to drop off illicit alcoholic products during Prohibition. Since Sea Cliff was also officially a “dry” village for the first few decades of its existence, it’s also possible that the bootleggers may have been delivering their wares there even before the rest of the country banned alcohol as well.

“It’s funny, I had always wanted to believe, because of the name and all that, that Rum Point had some connection with pirates,” Ann DiPietro, president of the Sea Cliff Civic Association, said. “I can always picture pirate boats and pirate ships coming in.”

Will Sheeline/Herald photos

THE SEA CLIFF Fire Department’s architecture remains historically accurate, including its unique and iconic foldout doors. Ed Lieberman indicated where the village set up Memorial Park to honor residents who had served and died during World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War.

THE MEMORIAL FOR John Henry Geohegan, the only Sea Cliff volunteer during the Spanish-American War, has led to the area around being dubbed “Headless Park” by locals.

Constituents can’t find U.S. Rep. George Santos

Nassau County Legislator Josh Lafazan announced a next step in the effort to force Santos out at a Jan. 13 news conference in Little Neck, Queens, outside former U.S. Rep. Tom Suozzi’s office. The space appeared vacant, and has not been renovated to indicate that it will serve as Santos’s home congressional office.

“Despite pressure from Republican and Democratic elected officials, despite outrage from constituents here, despite local, state, federal and international headlines, he refuses to go,” Lafazan told reporters. “That is why today we are launching the ‘Where’s George’ campaign, we are encouraging people across Long Island and Queens. If you see George Santos in public, take a picture of him and upload social media with the hashtag ‘Where’s George?’”

According to Lafazan, this is a way to force Santos to answer to his constituents, whom he appears to be hiding from.

“If George Santos will not come to us, we will come to him,” Lafazan added.

Aidan Davis and Jody Kass Finkel from the group “Concerned Citizens of NY-03,” are calling on the Nassau GOP to do even more.

“We need Republicans, we need Democrats,” Kass Finkel said. “We need our local elected officials to get together and

join hands and call for his expulsion from Congress. We need our members of Congress of the entire states to do that.”

Kass Finkel, has a news release with a petition calling for Congress to expel San-

tos, signed by Tom Suozzi, Robert Zimmerman, Jon Kaiman, Josh Lafazan, Melanie D’Arrigo, Reema Rasool, and Jay Jacobs. They are awaiting signatures from Jack Martins, Joe Cairo, and Bruce Blakeman. Kass Finkel called the Nassau GOP’s news conference on Wednesday, “lip service.”

“We applaud them,” he said, referring to the Nassau GOP’s calls on Santos to resign. “It’s a wonderful thing. But while they held their press conference, he announced he wouldn’t resign. There’s one other path, and that is to get Congress to expel him, and so far they have refused to sign. That’s why we’re saying it’s lip service.”

The end goals of the “Where’s George?” campaign are very clear.

“We will make every day in this district a living nightmare until you find us,” Lafazan said. “You will not be able to go into the bagel store, you won’t be able to go to the supermarket, you won’t be able to get a bite to eat. Everywhere you go, we will be there to hold you accountable.”

Vicky Cosgrove, a resident of District 3, brought her rescue dog Sophie to protest Santos’ claim to have run an animal rescue called Friends of Animals United. No evidence has been found to support its existence as a nonprofit, and in fact, it’s been claimed that Santos raised money for animal rescues but never donated it.

“The congressman that is going to represent me is a liar,” Cosgrove said. “To get the Catholic vote out, he said that abortion is akin to slavery. He claims he has all this money. If he’s so against abortion, he should be able to adopt several children. But we know it’s not true. He doesn’t have the money to go to McDonald’s.”

Another question raised, in addition to “Where’s George,” was “Why, George?”

“If you run for public office, you have a why,” Lafazan said. “Some people want to make a difference on a specific issue. Some want to get involved in their community. Why George Santos ran, it’s clear that he ran simply to become famous. And he got his wish. Except I think he’s infamous.”

Michael Malaszczyk/Herald

VICKY COSGROVE, A resident of Little Neck who voted for U.S. Rep. George Santos’s Democratic opponent, Robert Zimmerman, told the Herald that she thinks Santos is a pathological liar. Cosgrove brought her dog, Sophie, who was a rescue, and whose appearance mocked Santos’s claim to have run an animal rescue at one point.

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North Shore ups conference win streak

By MARC BERMAN sports@liherald.com

Many other coaches would’ve left point guard Kylee Colbert in the game to see if the senior could make North Shore history. Colbert was closing in on the school’s firstever quadruple-double last Friday against Island Trees.

Not Keith Freund, the Vikings girls’ basketball head coach. Freund is vying for a Nassau County Class A championship – not a majestic individual stat line.

Two minutes into the third quarter and North Shore routing Island Trees 48-11, the coached pulled Colbert from the game, leaving her with a final line of 9 points, 10 assists, 10 rebounds and 7 steals.

“She didn’t know, but she’s not the type of kid that if I told her, it wouldn’t effect her,’’ Freund said. “She cares about winning. It wasn’t important to her.”

“I don’t look at my stats,’’ Colbert added. “I wasn’t thinking about it. I just have fun. The team enjoys each other’s company on the court.’’

That is North Shore in a nutshell. The Vikings went on to post a 65-38 whitewash of previously unbeaten Island Trees to move the Vikings’ record to 12-2 – 5-0 in Conference A5.

North Shore, the defending conference champions, now has a 17-game conference winning streak. It is weaving a spectacular encore after last season’s 12-0 conference mark buoyed by a 12-person rotation and balanced attack.

But this group seeks more than the 2022-23 team that got upset by eventual county champion Plainedge in the quarterfinals.

“This team has a chance to be Long Island champions if they keep playing this well,’’ Freund said. “We have everything we need to be county champs. We just have to perform.’’

Freund repeatedly talks about having no stars, citing no one averaging more than 13 points, partly due to everyone sharing minutes - and the ball.

“The best part of team is we haven’t had a superstar,’’ said Freund, in his 17th season. “We have roles and it’s a very balanced team.’’

However, junior Emma Priolo is doing a good impersonation of a constellation. Priolo has lit up Sea Cliff/ Glen Head from the 3-point stripe. She already has bagged 43 3-pointers, breaking last season’s total of 30. She’s shooting 34 percent from deep — better than many NBA players — and is averaging 13.6 points.

“She’s shooting at an unbelievable clip,’’ Freund said. “This team doesn’t look for Emma. They just move the ball so well and find the open player. It’s our biggest strength offensively. The ball is constantly moving.’’

Credit that partially to Colbert, who was switched from off guard to point guard this season and has set the unselfish tone. Colbert, who received a Division I scholarship to

Boston College for lacrosse, has scored 2 points in some games but posted double-digit assists. (She’s averaging 7.6 and 6.5 assists).

“Nobody cares who scores,’’ Colbert said. “We’re having fun, passing the ball around and whoever shoots, shoots.’’

The contributors are coming from all corners as the Maroon and White score 60 points per game. Junior Keira Pombar is averaging 9.1 points as the second-leading scorer. Sophomore Sofia Della Ratta, (6.7), senior Ava Bartoli

(5.9), junior Hailey Ayres (4.4) and junior Hannah Gilliam (4).

This squad is rekindling memories of the North Shore girls from 2012-2015 that won three county titles and a Long Island crown.

“We’re working really hard at practice and we bring that same energy when we go to a game,’’ Colbert said. “We have such a higher energy than the other teams we play. If we keep up the effort in practice we can go much farther than last year.’’

Media Origin Inc./Herald

SENIOR KYLEE COLBERT filled the stat sheet last Saturday as the Vikings took control of Conference A5 with a big win over Island Trees.

EMMANUEL DEPAS, LEFT, Marie Pereira, Judith Hospedales and Nassau County Legislator Carrié Solages, gathered at the Theodore Roosevelt Executive and Legislative Building the day before the 13th anniversary of the 2010 Haiti earthquake to raise awareness for new immigration policy.

Migrating from Haiti, with a little support

By ANA BORRUTO aborruto@liherald.com

It’s been more than a decade since an earthquake devastated Haiti, killing more than 200,000 people, and leaving so many more thousands homeless. To this day, the Caribbean country continues to recover, all while facing other ongoing challenges such as limited access to health care, as well as poverty, political instability and violence.

While a lot of political talk in Washington is focused on what’s happening at the U.SMexico border, Nassau County Legislator Carrié Solages has joined immigration law professionals to share details of an expanded program under the Biden administration intended to provide legal pathways to America for migrants from Haiti, Cuba, Nicaragua and Venezuela as well as war-torn Ukraine.

“This is a positive development, and a humanitarian way to allow people to seek asylum,” Solages said. “We have witnessed so many people risking their lives in order to make it here in the United States.”

This new policy allows up to 30,000 individuals from these four countries to come to the United States per month for a period of up to two years —all receiving work authorization. These individuals must have an eligible sponsor, and pass a series of vetting and background checks.

To reduce overcrowding and wait times at U.S. ports of entry, those who are legal immigrants or citizens of the United

States can apply for someone in Haiti to come to America through an online application called the I-134A form, which gives that sponsor a chance to provide a declaration of financial support.

“They are basically asking you how are you going to take care of this person you are legally sponsoring, the person who is now called the beneficiary,” said Marie Pereira, founder of the Haiti Immigration Project. “Do you have the financial resources to take care of this person’s needs, from health to housing to clothing? Everything.”

Once the sponsor is approved, the beneficiary is required to submit their fingerprints and undergo an extensive background check. They also must be vaccinated for Covid-19, have a valid passport, and proof they are a Haiti native, Pereira added.

Those younger than 18 have to be accompanied by an adult who is their parent or legal guardian.

Judith Hospedales, an immigration law expert and formerly of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, said with the influx of displaced migrants in various states, the administration is trying to cut back on the issues migrants face when they arrive to the border.

Many migrants are seeking asylum — meaning they fear for their safety, or they believe they could be harmed if they stay in their home country — and want protection from another nation, like the United States.

But there are many who may not qualify for asylum status. In that case, they can

Who can become a sponsor?

Anyone who has legal status to live in the United States can sponsor a Haitian immigrant to the United States by submitting a free I-134A application.

That legal status means being a U.S. citizen, green card holder, or someone with temporary protection status.

However, sponsors should be wary of trying to bring in strangers, said Judith Hospedales. The further apart

the relationship between the sponsor and the person looking to come from Haiti, the more difficult it will be to prove that a person can be a suitable sponsor and financially responsible for the beneficiary.

To learn more, visit tinyurl.com/ SponsorHaiti.

–Ana Borruto

apply for temporary protection status, more commonly known as TPS. This status is for certain individuals who cannot return to their countries of origin because of circumstances within the country, such as those same countries not having the resources or capacity to take back their citizens at that particular time.

Emmanuel Depas, immigration attorney, founder and first president of the Haitian American Lawyers Association in New York, said prospective sponsors must take this process very seriously. Solages emphasized the importance of working with professionals like Depas when going through the sponsorship process.

“You have to say ‘yes’ with caution and understand what you’re getting into,” Depas said. “In those two years, you’re going to have to support (beneficiaries) financially, socially and help them get them acclimated to U.S. culture.

“I implore you to develop patience throughout this process.”

The Haitian American population is one of the fastest growing demographics in Nassau County, Solages said, with many living in communities like Elmont,

Freeport, Uniondale, Valley Stream and Hempstead. According to the most recent census numbers, the total Haitian population was just over 850,000 nationwide, with nearly 155,000 living in New York alone.

Haiti itself has a little more than 11 million people.

Elsie Smith has lived in the United States for 52 years, spending the last decade in Elmont. She wants to sponsor six family members who now live in Haiti — a widower father, his sister and his four kids, whose mother passed away five years ago. The children had to stop going to school last September.

Smith is grateful for the humanitarian relief program as it will give these children better opportunities in the United States.

“This is something for a country that is suffering too much, and we have so much we can offer in this country,” Smith said, through tears. “I live in a house with six bedrooms all by myself — I will provide, (the father) can get his papers for work, and the four children can go to school.”

This is something for a country that is suffering too much, and we have so much we can offer in this country.

ELSIE SMITH Haitian Elmont resident

Ana Borruto/Herald

STEPPING OUT

those

Monster trucks invade Long Island

By Karen Bloom

onster truck madness is back on Long Island this weekend when for two action-packed days at Nassau Coliseum. In this version, families can watch their favorite Hot Wheels trucks come to life when the Hot Wheels ‘Glow Party’ lights up the arena, Jan. 21-22.

While geared to the younger generation of monster truck fans, there is nothing tame about this version. You’ll still experience all the action of the 12-foot-tall, 10,000-pound machines will that bring audiences to their feet, racing and ripping up a customdesigned track full of obstacles to soar over — or smash through — delighting onlookers. A laser light show adds to the spectacle — the trucks maneuver their way through their stunts in a darkened arena.

Their names — Gunkster, Race Ace, Mega Wrex, Bone Shaker, Tiger Shark, Bigfoot and Demo Derby — reflect the outrageous mix of racing and showmanship that enthrall both the drivers and their fans.

WHERE WHEN

• Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 21-22; times vary

• Tickets start at $40 adult, $24 child; $10 additional for Crash Zone (prices are subject to change); available at HotWheelsMonsterTrucksLive. com or NassauColiseum.com

• Located at Nassau Coliseum, Uniondale

“Big trucks, big engines, crushing cars, hanging out with the fans, I love it all,” says Eric Steinberg, 22. “It’s an indescribable adrenaline rush.”

It’s clear Steinberg loves his job. In fact, he doesn’t describe his role as a “job.” It’s his passion — what he was born to do.

Like his fellow drivers, Steinberg became enthralled with the big trucks at a young age. Missouri-born and raised, he was 3 years old when he went to his first monster truck event. From that moment on he was hooked.

“I just knew this is what I wanted,” he says. “Monster trucks are amazing, and caught my attention more than anything else. I looked up to the drivers as my heroes. I remember how I felt and that helped me transition to being a driver.”

Branford Marsalis

After some scheduling delay — in part due to the pandemic — the renowned saxophonist makes his long-awaited appearance at the Madison Theatre with his quartet. The NEA Jazz Master, triple-Grammy Award winner and musical polymath with his stellar ensemble — pianist Joey Calderazzo, bassist Eric Revis and drummer Justin Faulkner — bring the brilliance that has made this quartet one of the most revered and influential in jazz. Marsalis is equally at home performing concertos with symphony orchestras and sitting in with members of the Grateful Dead, but the core of his musical universe remains the Branford Marsalis Quartet. After more than three decades of existence with minimal personnel changes, this celebrated ensemble is acclaimed for its uncompromising interpretation of a kaleidoscopic range of both original compositions and jazz and popular classics.

Friday, Jan. 20, 8 p.m. $40-$95. Madison Theatre, Molloy University campus, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre. (516) 323-4444 or MadisonTheatreNY.org.

Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company

monster truck world, was Steinberg’s entrée into the circuit. He debuted Gunkster, first created by Hot Wheels for its 2021 Monster Trucks Series collectibles, in 2022.

He’ll be in high gear with all his tricks, driving Gunkster through all the non-stop action, which includes a wheelie competition, long jumps, freestyle, and even motocross. And if that is not enough, there’ll be a special appearance by the car-eating, fire-breathing transforming robot Megasaurus.

Steinberg encourages everyone to come to the Crash Zone pre-show, Saturday, at 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., and Sunday, at noon. Crash Zone gives fans access to the arena floor where they can view of the trucks up-close and meet the drivers, get autographs and take photos and, of course, check out some toy versions of the big trucks.

“Fans love it,” says Steinberg. “The kids are excited to see the trucks before the show. It’s all for them. For me, I always wanted to meet the drivers as a kid. I always looked up to them as my heroes. And now I want to be that hero. Meeting the fans is truly special and encourages us.”

hooked up with the Bigfoot

Determined to follow his dream, he enrolled in State Technical College of Missouri’s Automotive Technology HighPerformance Program. After his 2021 graduation, he hooked up with the Bigfoot team. Bigfoot, a name synonymous with the

Top photo: Gunkster, driven by Eric Steinberg, and other popular trucks, including Tiger Shark, will thrill fans with exciting car-crunching feats as they fly more than 35 feet in the air. Three stories tall and weighing more than 50,000 pounds, Megasaurus — at left — roars into the arena ready to chomp.

The Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company welcomes the coming of spring, the Year of the Black Water Rabbit. It’s a spectacular experience for all ages, combining traditional Chinese dance with modern flair. The Red Lions dance to a hip hop beat. The Golden Dragon brings good luck and fortune for the coming year. The ensemble also showcases a contemporary dance work, ‘Ashes of A Dead Frog,’ choreographed by legendary Polish Choreographer Jacek Luminski that was commissioned by Nai-Ni Chen almost a decade ago. Guest artists from the Chinese Music Ensemble of New York provide traditional and contemporary music on classical and folk Chinese instruments. Dancers, acrobats and musicians perform in festive costumes in red, gold, blue and purple colors symbolizing their prayer for a peaceful and harmonious New Year with plenty of prosperity and good fortune for everyone to enjoy and share.

Sunday, Jan. 29, 7 p.m. $52, $42, $32. Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville. (516) 299-3100 or TillesCenter.org.

Courtesy Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live

Feb. 23

Art talk

Grab your lunch and join Nassau County Museum of Art Docent Riva Ettus for her popular “Brown Bag Lecture” live, via Zoom, Thursday, Feb. 23, 1 p.m. She’ll discuss the current exhibition, “The Big Picture: Photography Now.” Participants are invited to ask questions at the end of the program. Register at least 24 hours in advance to receive the program Zoom link. Also Feb. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum.org.

Historic Spirits Tour

Stop by Raynham Hall Museum, at 30 West Main Street in Oyster Bay, Saturday, Jan. 28, to learn about three generations of Townsend family occupants with Samantha Lynn Difronzo, a spiritual healer. To purchase tickets for the event visit RaynhamHallmMuseum.org or call (516) 922-6808.

A Donde Llega el Silencio

Visit Planting Fields Arboretum, 1395 Planting Fields Road in Oyster Bay, for a performance by Argentinian musician Jacinta Clusellas, Saturday, Feb. 18, 6-8 p.m. Hear tunes from her second EP, “A Donde Llega el Silencio,” with a wine and cheese reception following. For more information, call (516) 922-9210 or email info@ plantingfields.org.

Readicculus

Friends of the Brothers

Friends of the Brothers visits the Landmark stage with their dynamic tribute to the Allman Brothers, Friday, Jan. 27, 8 p.m. Their powerful celebration of the Allman Brothers, featuring musicians closely associated with the original band, continues the brotherhood with passion, committed to the ideals of every night being special and unique. Their first-hand experience with the Allman Brothers Band and their deep knowledge of the repertoire and the music’s roots and heritage allows them to play with an unrivaled depth. Hear songs from every stage of the Allman Brothers’ career, backed by a band of inspirational, veteran players. $33, $28. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. (516) 767-6444 or LandmarkOnMainStreet.org.

Jan. 27

Jan. 28

Pop by Still Partners, 225 Sea Cliff Ave. in Sea Cliff, for a tribute to Phish, Saturday, Jan. 28, at 8 p.m. Listen to Phish cover band Readicculus play the band’s greatest hits. For more information call (516) 2009229.

The Joy of Collage

Stop by the Bayville Free Library, 34 School Street in Bayville, for a one hour collage class Sunday, Jan. 22, 2-3 p.m. The class is open to all skill levels, and every participant will learn collage techniques and create their own masterpieces in any style of their choosing. For more information, contact Kristy Fumante at (516) 628-2765 or adultprograms@ bayvillefreelibrary.org.

Forest Bathing

Take a meditative Forest Bathing walk, led by certified guide Linda Lombardo, Saturday, Jan. 21, 2-4 p.m. Based on the Japanese tradition of ShinrinYoku, a wellness practice developed in the 1980s, the walk, on the grounds of the former summer residence of Howard Gould and later Daniel and Florence Guggenheim, inspires mindful connections with the natural elements of the woods for a range of healthful benefits. $40, $35. Pre-registration required. Sands Point Preserve, 127 Middle Neck Road. For information, visit SandsPointPreserveConservancy. org or call (516) 571-7901.

Senior Lunch Program

Enjoy visiting friends, with a delicious lunch and chair yoga, at the popular senior program hosted by Mutual Concerns, every Tuesday, at Saint Luke’s Episcopal Church, at 253 Glen Ave., in Sea Clifff. Those iinterested in joining the lunch program can call Peggie Como at (516) 675-7239.

The Best of the Eagles

Get into the Eagles’ groove when the tribute band visits The Paramount stage, Thursday, Jan. 26, 8 p.m. With special guest Fleetwood Macked. This authentic recreation features individual bandmates taking on the persona of the original Eagles members. $39.50, $29.50, $19.50. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. (800) 745-3000 or Ticktmaster.com or ParamountNY. com.

Financial advice

Visit the Oyster Bay-East Norwich Public Library, at 89 East Main Street in Oyster Bay, for an Investment Seminar Series, every Wednesday throughout January,7 p.m. This program is presented by Vincent Sama, financial advisor from Edward Jones. Register online at OysterBayLibrary.org or call (516) 922-1212.

Having an event?

Items on The Scene page are listed free of charge. The Herald welcomes listings of upcoming events, community meetings and items of public interest. All submissions should include date, time and location of the event, cost, and a contact name and phone number. Submissions can be emailed to thescene@liherald.com.

Deep Roots Indoor Winter Market

Start the New Year with a visit to Deep Roots Indoor Winter Market, Saturday, Jan. 21, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. The market, at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 28 Highland Road, Glen Cove, offers locally grown vegetables, eggs, meat and dairy, as well as fresh baked goods, artisan cheeses, honey and more. For more information contact Amy Peters at amy@deeprootsfarmersmarket. com or call (516) 318-5487.

On exhibit

Photography’s ascent in the art world is an international phenomenon. Nassau County Museum of Art’s star-studded exhibition spans the historical roots of the medium. View works by Ansel Adams and his generation and the thrilling, large-format color works of such contemporary masters as Cindy Sherman, Thomas Struth, James Casebere and Gregory Crewdson, among others. From the documentary to the painterly, images bear witness to the times. On view through March 5. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum.org.

The Pigeon Comes to Long Island!

Step into activities pulled directly from the pages of Mo Willems’ books, during opening weekend of Long Island Children’s Museum’s new exhibit, Sunday, Jan. 22, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., in residence through May 14. Step into activities pulled directly from the pages of Mo Willems’ books, make art inspired by his work, engage in dramatic play and learn about the rich social and emotional lives of the author’s characters. Interact with Willems beloved characters: best friend duo Elephant and Piggie, faithful companion Knuffle Bunny, and The Pigeon. Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 224-5800 or LICM.org.

Sands casino coming to Nassau Coliseum?

By JEFFREY BESSEN jbessen@liherald.com

A touch of Las Vegas could soon make its way to Uniondale’s Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum with hotels, performance stages, and even a casino.

The Las Vegas Sands, a resort company founded by late billionaire Sheldon Adelson, wants to develop what it calls a “multibillion-dollar flagship hospitality, entertainment and casino project” at the former home of the New York Islanders off the Hempstead Turnpike near the Meadowbrook Parkway. But the acquisition of up to 80 acres of the site would require state approval.

“The plan would include a casino accounting for 10 percent of the total project, outdoor community spaces, four- and five-star hotel rooms, and a world class live performance venue honoring the legacy of live music at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum,” Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman shared on Twitter.

There also would be celebrity chef restaurants, convention space and ballrooms, along with a luxurious day spa, a swimming pool, and a health club.

“We strongly believe Long Island can be home to one of the region’s great entertainment and hospitality developments,” said Robert Goldstein, Las Vegas Sands chair and chief executive, in a news release.

Sands, which is worth more than $42 billion on the New York Stock Exchange, says it wants to collaborate with the surrounding communities to create a plan as a way to maximizes economic opportunity while protecting the quality of life. Part of that plan would include creating 12,000 construction jobs, and then employing 5,000 people.

But making such a collaboration work will require Sands to listen, County Legislature Minority Leader Kevan Abrahams said.

“It is imperative for Sands resorts to conduct extensive community outreach, and then incorporate the feedback they receive into their proposal,” Abrahams said. That means not only talking to the people who live in the area, but also talking to officials at Hofstra University, Nassau Community College, as well as both Hempstead town and village.

Sands also needs to reach out to local fire departments, school districts, civic associations, chambers of commerce and others as a “necessary first step for addressing concerns and identifying opportunities.”

Scott Rechler is optimistic about a Sands development after nearly two decades of working to overhaul the Coliseum site.

“The plan envisioned by Sands is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create the kind of world-renowned entertainment and hospitality destination that has been

THE LAS VEGAS Sands resort company is considering the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum property as a site for a new upscale casino. It’s championed by Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, but being met with cautious optimism by others, like County Legislature Minority Leader Kevan Abrahams.

sought after by Long Islanders,” said Rechler, chief executive and chair of RXR Realty, in the release.

But not everyone shares that enthusiasm. Protesters have gathered outside the Coliseum opposing the casino component, which they say promotes multiple addictions. Others believe such a development would add to the existing traffic logjam while creating a blight on the environment.

And then there are people like Jay Goldmark from Woodmere who is OK with the plan.

“Surprisingly I have no absolutely no issue with them building a casino as long as they have absolutely no exemptions granted under any circumstances as far as any construction, sales or use taxes,” Goldmark posted on social media. “If they can afford to build for millions of dollars and fees etc., they surely can afford to pay the sales taxes. It will also create hundreds of jobs.”

The Medicaid Asset Protection Trust (“MAPT”)

For those who don’t qualify for long-term care insurance or can’t afford it, the Medicaid Asset Protection Trust (“MAPT”) can protect your assets from the high cost of long-term care in your home or in a facility.

The MAPT sets up two roadblocks that Medicaid cannot break through. First, you cannot be your own trustee. Usually, one or more of the adult children act as trustee.

Secondly, you, as the creator of the MAPT, are entitled to the income only, not the principal. If you don’t have access to the principal (your home or other assets in the trust), then Medicaid doesn’t have access to the principal. The MAPT makes good sense for assets you’re not going to spend – like your home and investments you’re not using. As we often say, if you don’t need it to live on, then why not protect it for your family instead of losing it to pay for long-term care.

When you apply for Medicaid for nursing home care, if you’ve transferred any assets in the past five years, you are ineligible. The full protection of the trust only takes place five

years after you establish the trust. This is why you want to plan ahead. Under new rules to take effect in the next year or two, you will also need to have the MAPT in place two and half years in advance to be eligible for care in your own home.

The MAPT does not affect your lifestyle. You still receive your pension, social security checks, minimum distributions on your retirement plans, interest and dividends. You have the exclusive right to use and enjoy your home. You keep all your property tax exemptions. You can sell your house, buy a new one, or invest the proceeds, which remain in the trust, still protected.

The MAPT is also flexible. You can change trustees and you can change who you leave it to.

Although the MAPT is an irrevocable trust, not only does it have the flexibility mentioned above, but in New York there is a mechanism to revoke an irrevocable trust. All that is required is for all parties, you and your children, to sign. We even have a workaround just in case one of the children refuses to sign.

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Herald file photo

Santos says he will resign if 142,000 demand it

By WILL SHEELINE wsheeline@liherald.com

As more and more allegations and horror stories come out against Republican, New York Representative George Santos, the embattled conservative has doubled down and refused calls from constituents, Democrats and members of his own party to resign. While appearing on Steve Bannon’s podcast “War Room,” hosted by Florida Representative Matt Gaetz on Jan. 12, Santos said he would only step down if every single person who voted for him asked him to.

“I wish well all of their opinions, but I was elected by 142,000 people,” Santos argued, “and until those same 142,000 people tell me they don’t want me we’ll find out in two years.”

Santos subsequently claimed that he was elected by the people and for the people and continued to say that his goal is to serve the people of New York’s 3rd Congressional District. Despite his assertions, however, almost universally residents and business owners in the district appear to be united in their condemnation of him, and demand that he

step down.

Nicholas Galatro, a resident of Oyster Bay and a registered Republican, explained that although he hasn’t read too much on the Santos scandals, it was clear to him that Santos couldn’t be trusted to represent the people of his district. Galatro continued to say that although he did not vote for Santos, he would happily tell the congressman to resign if given the opportunity.

“I’m not too familiar with him, but it’s hard to trust someone who constantly twists their words and lies about something, especially concerning the general public,” Galatro said. “Many politicians at that level have lied, but it’s hard to take someone at their word when they lie as much as him.”

Numerous petitions have been started across the internet calling on Santos to resign. One of them, on change.org, already has more than 15,000 signatures attached to it.

Others are reaching out to Santos’ office directly to call on him to

resign, such as Michael Amendola, who lives in Northport but owns the Village Wine Merchant in Sea Cliff. Since the news broke about Santos’ lies, Amendola has called the congressman’s district offices twice to demand the step down.

“I think Mr. Santos is a complete fraud,” Amendola said. “I personally feel that anybody who has misrepresented so many things about their past isn’t someone that you can trust and isn’t someone who has the constituents’ best interests at heart.”

Even people who voted for Santos, such as Stacie Locascio, of Glen Cove, have expressed disgust for his extensive lies and subsequent behavior and have joined the call for him to resign. Locascio also expressed optimism that 142,000 people would be willing to demand he step down.

“I think he should step aside. Resign. Go back to whatever place he came from and not run for office again,” Locascio wrote on Facebook

messenger. “If we don’t get him out, it speaks to the lack of a moral compass in politics overall.”

With the recent news that Santos has been assigned to two Congressional committees — Small Business and Science, Space and Technology — it appears that until the numerous investigations into his personal and professional finances show clear examples of fraud, Santos is here to stay. However, Santos has yet to show his face in the Third Congressional District since he was elected, prompting the creation of such movements as #Where’sGeorge? by Nassau County Legislator Josh Lafazan.

As more and more stories continue to come out about Santos, who has gone by other names such as “Anthony Devolder” in the past, it will be harder and harder for the congressman to continue to claim that he’s here to serve his constituents. One recent story by Patch even alleged that he stole $3,000 from a disabled, homeless veteran who was trying to save his sick dog’s life, which Santos denied according to Fox News.

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I think Mr. Santos is a complete fraud.

MICHAEL AMENDOLA Sea Cliff

Constituents of color claim Santos a product of Trump

By WILL SHEELINE wsheeline@liherald.com

Phyllis Burnett, the president of the Glen Cove Kiwanis Club, is one of the many Black residents of New York’s 3rd District. She said only one thought crossed her mind when she read about Rep.-elect George Anthony Devolder Santos in the New York Times article that uncovered lies about his education, professional and personal background — He may not have gone to college, but he definitely went to Trump University.

Her horror was shared by other New Yorkers who read of the multitude of Santos’ lies, but especially people living in the Third Congressional District. The breaking news story indicated that someone they had just elected as their new congressman was not who he had claimed to be. In fact, if what they were reading was true, then- Santos was a serial liar, who had completely misled voters.

To many residents of the district, this revelation was beyond belief. How could someone running for one of the most hallowed offices in the land have lied to voters so brazenly, so boldly?

But for several people of color in the community, the reason for Santos’ successful duplicity was clear. It was the result of lowered standards of integrity

ushered in by former President Donald Trump and the Make America Great Again movement.

“(Santos is) following in the footsteps of the very infamous 45th,” said Burnett, referring to Trump by his presidential number. “When you’re a chronic liar, you believe your lie and you live your lie, just like the 45th does.”

In addition to the numerous assertions Santos has made about himself, some of which he’s admitted are “embellishments” and others which are alleged, are his dangerous, and sometimes confusing, positions on race in America, which some Third District residents claim he also learned from Trump. On the one hand, Santos has claimed to be of African descent, while on the other, he posted a highly offensive meme of Barack and Michelle Obama with chimpanzee faces on Twitter in November of 2020.

Pastor Linda B. Vanager, who leads Hood African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church in Oyster Bay, said that she believes Santos’ lies show deep-seated emotional and psychological issues. She also agreed that Santos likely got his

inspiration from Trump, who has made a habit routinely of defending his widespread lies with an admixture of bluster, name-calling, and claims of victimhood.

“It’s just so sad that in this day and age, at this time when we’re trying to live in unity and peace with one another, that (Santos) is lying to his constituents,” Vanager explained. “How could one put his or her trust into George Santos now, knowing that he is a liar, when there are issues of importance that have to be addressed, and not knowing whether or not he’s sincere in wanting to help out.”

During the Congressional election for Speaker of the House, Santos also was alleged to have flashed a white power symbol while casting his vote for Kevin McCarthy. The “OK” symbol which he appears to have made, is when one uses three outstretched fingers to create a “W” for white, with the thumb and pointer finger forming the top of a “P” for power.

“Santos gives people what Donald Trump gave them — the basis of understanding themselves of the premise that I am white, this is my country, and this

NEWS BRIEFS

candidate is going to ensure my white identity in the world,” Reverend Roger Williams, pastor of the First Baptist Church of Glen Cove, said. “He can lie all he wants, he can demean the truth all he wants, but as long as he gives them that he’ll be fine.”

While it is unclear whether Santos is of African descent, having also claimed to be white when he admitted to committing check fraud to the Brazilian government in 2010, he certainly lied about his Jewish heritage, asserting that his maternal family were Ukrainian Jews who had escaped the Holocaust, which subsequent independent genealogical studies have proven to be false.

Ravin Chetram, the vice president of the Oyster Bay-East Norwich Chamber of Commerce, declared that he found Santos’ lies “disgusting,” and that someone with even a shred of empathy would know not to do that. Santos’ manipulation of his ethnicity hurts not just him personally, Chetram, of Guyanese descent, said. It is an insult to every resident of color in the Third District.

“In my opinion the only thing worse than a white supremacist is a non-white white supremacist,” Chetram explained. “To have someone who we all resent so much representing us in the Third District, it’s nauseating.”

Hometown Heroes recognition applications available

The Town of Oyster Bay is accepting applications for the 2023 Hometown Heroes’ Community Recognition Program. This initiative recognizes the service and sacrifice of the brave men and women of the United States Armed Forces — both living and deceased — who are current or former town residents.

“My town board colleagues and I were amazed by the outpouring of support this program has received from residents, businesses and local heroes,” Town Councilman Steve Labriola said. “We are proud to return this important initiative to our communities and look forward to further recognizing our veterans, active duty service members, and their families for their commitment to defend our freedoms and democracy.”

Banners bearing the nominated individual’s name, rank, photograph and area of service will be unveiled throughout selected park facilities across the Town of Oyster Bay in the months leading up to Veterans Day. Any interested individual or organization who would wish to sponsor a banner can remit $75 to sponsor the production of a banner.

No profit is made from this program. Once the banners are displayed, the town will maintain the banners until Veterans Day, when they will be taken down and returned to the service family or their loved ones.

“This is an especially meaningful way to

honor those who bravely and selflessly served our nation,” added Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino. “Together as a community we will honor the brave men and women of the United States Armed Forces who sacrificed a great deal for our nation, as well as many local veterans who continue to serve our community and their fellow veterans through advocacy efforts.”

For further information, visit oysterbaytown.com/herobanners or call (516) 797-4121.

Golden Tones Entertainment Group seeking new members

The Town of Oyster Bay’s Golden Tones Entertainment Group is seeking new members. This chorus is a social group open to town residents over the age of 60 who have an interest in singing, dancing or entertaining.

Anyone aged 60 and over is welcome to join. A great singing voice is not required to participate in this social group.

“We hear from choir members all the time how singing together lifts their spirits while providing great joy to others in senior care facilities, schools and at public events,” Oyster Bay Town Councilwoman Michele Johnson said. “The Golden Tones Entertainment Group provides a creative and social outlet for seniors to make new friends and bond over their love of music. Join us today!”

Senior citizens interested in joining the Golden Tones should call (516) 797-7916 for more information.

Dead’ to life.

Performance of James Joyce’s ‘The Dead coming soon, courtesy of 15 residents

Sea Cliff residents will be happy to hear there will be an encore performance of the theatrical version James Joyce’s short story, “The Dead.” Fifteen Sea Cliff residents performed the iconic story to a sold-out audience of over 50 at Foster’s restaurant on Jan. 8. The good news is, those who missed

the first show will get the chance to see it on Feb. 5.

“The Dead” follows Gabriel Conroy, a teacher and book reviewer, exploring his relationship with family and friends. The play version, directed by Fred Stroppel, features Sea Cliff actors of all ages.

H e may not have gone to college, but he definitely went to Trump University.

PHYLLIS BURNETT Glen Cove resident

Courtesy Ann DiPietro

FIFTEEN SEA CLIFF actors have worked together to bring the short story ‘The

Nassau County Republicans call on Santos to resign

By MICHAEL MALASZCZYK mmalaszczyk@liherald.com

George Santos has faced stiff opposition from his colleagues since arriving at Capitol Hill last week. It looks like he won’t be having an easy time at home, either. Republican leaders from across the county gathered at GOP headquarters in Westbury Thursday and called on Rep. George Santos to resign after his trail of fabrications. The news conference was led by Nassau GOP chairman Joseph Cairo, Jr.

“He’s disgraced the House of Representatives, and we do not consider him one of our congresspeople,” Cairo said. “Today on behalf of the Nassau County Republican Committee. I’m calling for his immediate resignation.”

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman stated all constituents who have Santos as a representative should refer to newly minted U.S. Rep. Anthony D’Esposito’s office for assistance with their issues. Those that can’t go to D’Esposito will be redirected to the offices of U.S. Senators Chuck Schumer or Kirsten Gillibrand — both Democrats.

“I am joined here with my colleagues in calling on George Santos’s resignation, because he cannot serve anymore,” Blakeman said. “My office will have no interaction with George Santos or his staff until he resigns. “

Blakeman also called Santos a “pathological liar.” D’Esposito is still in Washington but joined the news

conference through videoconference.

“I think that what’s most important as a public servant is treating the public with respect and gaining authority — something that all of you behind that podium have done,” D’Esposito said, referring to his fellow Republicans. “George Santos does not have the ability to serve here in the House of Representatives and should resign.”

All three of Nassau County’s town supervisors attended and delivered remarks as well.

“I join with my colleagues, the town board, the elected officials in our community and all of us in Nassau County Republican team, when we ask Mr. Santos to resign immediately,” said Joseph Saladino, supervisor for the Town of Oyster Bay, before looking directly at the cameras. “George, I’m speaking to you. It’s time to step down.”

“The lies George Santos told are too numerous to count,” Jennifer DeSena, Town of North Hempstead supervisor, said. “And while I’m offended and disgusted at his deceit, my true concern is for the residents of the third congressional district. The longer he remains in office, the longer the residents of the third congressional district will suffer. Mr. Santos, haven’t you done enough harm? I call on Mr. Santos to immediately resign.”

Glen Cove Mayor Pam Panzenbeck also said Santos should step down. “We need representation that we can count on,” she said. “He’s told so many lies he doesn’t know what the truth is and he’s making a mockery out

ON THE ROAD WITH A TAKEOUT QUEEN

Stretching takeout meals for days

Whenever I’m enjoying a delicious takeout meal, taking the last bite is always an excruciatingly sad moment. To make the experience less traumatic, I had an idea. I ordered new dishes from local eateries and created ways to stretch each one over several days. Yes, I had to open cans of vegetables and beans to make it work, but it was worth the torture. Here’s where to go and what to do if you’re up for making some of the latest and greatest takeout dishes in town last longer.

■ I Am Nacho Mama

(Coming to 42 Main St., Port Washington this month)

Local newspapers name this Mexican family cafe one of the best on Long Island. So, though a new branch will be opening in Port Washington any day now, I just couldn’t wait. Last week, I tried I Am Nacho Mama in Hicksville. There are traditional Mexican dishes galore. I couldn’t resist trying the chef’s new Mexi-Cola Cauliflower Wings. Each floret is lightly fried in batter consisting of Mexican Coca Cola (made with organic cane sugar) and a variety of international spices. I could have gulped down the whole container in one sitting. Instead, I divided it into thirds and used it as a topping on different vegetable, bean, and grain bowls for three nights.

endive salad with trout; clams casino with bacon, bell peppers and parsley; and chicken paella with chorizo and runner beans. I couldn’t wait to taste the paella because the chorizo is made in the kitchen from scratch. I also ordered an amazing linguine dish mixed with endive, Chablis, and a savory surprise — beet greens. Since I was served a generous portion, I decided to turn the linguine dish into two different dinners. First, I combined the linguine with pre-cooked shrimp. The next night, I combined it with shredded, pre-roasted chicken from Holiday Farms in Glen Head.

CATHI TUROW

■ Maldon & Mignonette (243 Glen Cove Ave., Sea Cliff) I always marvel at the creative combinations the chef offers in this authentic American bistro with a rustic flare. Sometimes I go online just to read the menu. The winter menu includes scallop sando with garlic, jalapeno, bacon, and brioche; and winter salad with shaved brussel sprouts, almonds, parmesan and pomegranates. I ordered my favorite newbie: beef stew with carrots, onions, parsnips, and polenta. It’s comfort food on steroids, so I divided my takeout container into thirds. I made beef stew the topping for vegetables and beans three nights in a row.

of the entire congressional system.”

Also attending were Senators Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick and Jack Martins, as well as Assemblyman Jake Blumencranz.

“It is a great stain on the Republican Party of Nassau County that he worked with us,” Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick said. “I am particularly offended also, as a representative of the Five Towns and the Orthodox community. What he did regarding his religious status was exceptionally offensive. And for them, I stand here and ask that he step down.”

Santos has been under fire since a New York Times report that challenged pretty much all the claims he has made about himself throughout this recent campaign, and his 2020 unsuccessful run against Tom Suozzi. Everything from education, employment, philanthropic activity, and salaries don’t check out.

George Santos himself, as reported by CNN, is ignoring this call to resign. Asked by reporters mere moments after this news conference if he would, Santos made it clear. “I will not,” he said, before declining to answer additional questions. But he did comment on Twitter.

“I was elected to serve the people of NY-03 not the party & politicians,” Santos tweeted. “I remain committed to doing that and regret to hear that local officials refuse to work with my office to deliver results to keep our community safe and lower the cost of living. I will NOT resign!”

THE GREAT BOOK GURU

Suburban mayhem

Dear Great Book Guru, I was at a family reunion in Point Lookout last weekend and lots of my cousins were talking about a novel set on Long Island, particularly in Garden City. Are you familiar with the book and if so, would you recommend it?

–Fan of Local Locales

Dear Friend of Local Locales, “Good Neighbors,” by Sarah Langan, was a delightful find. It opens on Maple Avenue in Garden City in a kind of culde-sac where all the neighbors know all there is to know about each other, or so it seems. Block parties, cookie swaps, baseball pickup games, all these things and more unite the families.

comers are suddenly shunned, first by Schroeder and then eventually by all the residents of Maple Avenue.

Mysteriously, a sinkhole then develops in a nearby park. A sense of dread envelops all the families, which reaches a climax when Schroeder’s daughter Shelly falls into this muddy abyss.

ANN DIPIETRO

When Arlo and Gertie Wilde move from Brooklyn everyone, especially Rhea Schroeder — the acknowledged neighborhood leader — embraces them. But a few months after their move, the new-

We know from the opening pages set 20 years into the future that a murder has occurred but who and how is not revealed until the closing pages. Throughout, we see this veneer of utopian, civilized life gradually stripped away to reveal an underbelly of hypocrisy, greed and hatred in wildly improbable ways. It’s definitely a page-turner and a great start to the new year. Highly recommended!

Would you like to ask the Great Book Guru for a book suggestion? Contact her at annmdipietro@gmail.com.

■ Hunter (1053 Oyster Bay Rd., East Norwich) There are five new dishes on the menu in this French/Mediterranean gourmet restaurant. They include

■ Orwashers Bakery (377 Willis Ave., Roslyn Heights) I’ve been waiting for this Manhattan-based bakery to open for months. It’s finally here! There are

amazing artisan breads including a loaf made with quinoa, raisins, sunflower seeds and honey. Challah is baked in a loaf pan so it’s crisp on the outside and soft on the inside. Desserts include raspberry rugalach dipped in chocolate, lemon tarts to die for, and my favorite: the sticky bun babka muffin. I couldn’t

stop eating it long enough to divide it into parts.

Here’s to making great foods last! See you next month!

Cathi Turow can be reached at: cturowtakeout@gmail.com

OPINIONS

The Republicans have sent in the clowns

One of my all-time favorite comedians was Groucho Marx. He always had the right response to the question of the moment. He used to say, “No matter what you ask for, the answer is no.” That describes the crazy new Republican majority in the House of Representatives.

can candidates who have run for Congress have campaigned on the promise to make government smaller. They made it a point never to explain which programs they were after, because they knew specifics would kill them.

Democratic Senate will no doubt vote against such changes, but that would leave the country without a budget.

of the House majority.

JERRY KREMER

For decades, the federal government has been providing funds for Social Security, Medicare, Homeland Security and the Department of Defense. Most rational people will tell you that these are crucial parts of the government, but various members of the new majority have targeted these programs for extinction.

When asked why they would seek to end one of these key programs, the individual Republican members would answer, “Because I don’t like it.” The idea that many members of the new majority want to bring government to its knees should be a warning sign to every American.

The Republican effort to dismantle American government is nothing new to political observers. Hundreds of Republi-

Eliminating programs goes along with the entire package of rules that were just adopted by the House of Representatives under the leadership of its new speaker, Kevin McCarthy. McCarthy has wanted to be speaker for over a decade. In 2015 he lost the job to John Boehner, and Boehner gave it to Paul Ryan. This year, for McCarthy, the speakership was now or never.

To avoid never, he agreed to a set of rules changes that at best could be described as insane. At the top of the list is a rule that will allow any one of the 435 House members to make a motion to take away the speakership from McCarthy.

Another rule allows members to single out any federal agency and vote to eliminate its budget. Because the House is empowered to craft the government’s spending plan, this rule could wipe out the entire budget of the Defense Department or the allocation for Medicare, with little or no debate in the House. The

What spells more trouble is a requirement that any increase in the debt ceiling must be matched by reductions in federal spending, which could target Social Security and Medicare. What is the next ugly byproduct of McCarthy’s failure to give into the far-right mob?

Spending limits, counterbalanced by cuts in programs, would create the possibility that Congress would default on its requirement to pay the nation’s debt. A debt default could lead to a global meltdown and a downgrading of America’s credit rating. The Republican House majority threatened debt default under President Barack Obama, but in the end, the Republicans came to their senses and approved the borrowing to keep the government functioning.

Apparently, rules changes weren’t enough for the 20 or so fringe House members as McCarthy sold his soul. In addition to giving in to them on rules, he agreed to appoint them to key committees, including the powerful Rules Committee. In effect, the group of 20 will have more power than the other 202 members

It is important to explain the significance of the appointment of troublemakers to the Rules Committee. The committee has the authority to do virtually anything during the course of consideration of a measure, including deeming it passed. It can rewrite parts of a bill, or the entire measure. House members such as Lauren Boebert, of Colorado, can hold the committee hostage. It’s a recipe for disaster.

Some readers might call these observations partisan, but any student of government will tell you that all of these changes are a recipe for disaster. As an example of the thinking of this power cluster, Rep. Jim Jordan, of Ohio, was asked why he favored cuts in the Defense Department, and he answered that there are too may generals in the military, and we have to get rid of many of them.

When all of these so-called reformers announced their plans, I thought of the word “clowns,” and then the song “Send in the Clowns” popped up in my thinking. Clowns are funny, but not this group of them.

Jerry Kremer was an Assemblyman for 23 years, and chaired the Assembly’s Ways and Means Committee for 12 years. He now heads Empire Government Strategies, a business development and legislative strategy firm. Comments about this column? jkremer@liherald.com.

Playing hide-and-seek with top secrets

Imagine my surprise when I opened my toaster oven to slide in a meatloaf and found a bunch of classified documents inside. Wow, I thought, secret docs are really popping up all over the place.

the documents were his because, well, just because. His team resisted turning them over, although the law demands that important papers get returned to the government after a president leaves office.

wizards.

People wondered if spies were hanging around Mar-a-Lago, hoping to read our nuclear codes over the dessert buffet. Or maybe someone was thinking about selling information to the other side, a kind of monetizing of the outgoing presidency.

Let me retreat a bit. After all, I did lose my most precious Covid-19 vaccine card just a week after I got the jab in January 2021. I awoke in the middle of the night and couldn’t remember where I had put it for super-safekeeping. I began to toss the room and the closet.

fight the government’s request to return the papers to safekeeping.

I once forgot to turn off the stove. Another time, I misplaced the code for my bicycle lock. Nearly every day I forget why I jumped up to run upstairs.

The papers were in a folder that said Top Secret, so I read them immediately. Showing up in my oven makes them mine, right? Also, I took the extra precaution of declassifying them by chanting the order of the planets according to their distance from the sun, even Pluto, which is officially a nano planet. I mean, I don’t want to break any laws.

RANDI KREISS

Just a few months ago, everyone was talking about a former president possessing bundles of classified documents, which he or someone close to him stuffed in various cabinets and closets in and around Mar-a-Lago, his golf club and happy place. The Justice Department, not known for leaping into action, actually raided the premises — that’s how worried it was that secrets may have fallen into the hands of spies. The former prez said

A special counsel was appointed by the DOJ to investigate the case of the purloined papers. Think: a kind of Wizard of Oz operating behind a screen.

Starting in early November, more secret documents were discovered, this time in offices and homes owned or formerly occupied by President Biden. He said he was surprised that classified material turned up under his watch, and his people did move with alacrity to give the paperwork back to the proper authorities in the government. Still.

Who is minding the store? How do secrets get passed around and land in somebody’s garage? A second special counsel was appointed. Now we have two

HAfter two days of misery, I tried to contact someone at the vaccine location. Someone there told me I had to appear in person, and even then I might not be successful. So I started all over again, searching my room and closets and, in case I really misplaced it, the fridge and the inside of my sneakers. On Day 4 I found the card exactly where I had put it originally, in a drawer. So I understand these lapses, but my vaccine card isn’t a nuclear code.

Biden apparently set down some papers and then forgot where they were, or when they needed to be returned to the government archives. More likely, he didn’t think about it all, and it was his staff that messed up.

Not so much with the other guy, who claimed possession of what were clearly classified papers and hired lawyers to

But shouldn’t the Secret Service, Homeland Security, the FBI, the president’s briefers and the CIA do better? Hell, I did better hiding my diary from my sister when I was 12. No way MI-5 or the code breakers of Bletchley Park would have stashed spy secrets under a cushion.

I was surprised, but not really shocked, to find the eyes-only documents in my toaster oven. How to get rid of them? Roast? Convection bake? Air fry? I tried them all, and now I have a pile of ashes in my oven that I probably have to bake into another meatloaf, for security reasons.

This may not be the end of the story. All the president’s men and women somehow thought it was OK to store spycraft information in POTUS’s sock drawer or the ottoman at Camp David. Our government, bless its confused leaders, apparently subscribes to a special protocol for keeping secret documents secret, known as L.G.

That would be Loosey Goosey.

Copyright 2023 Randi Kreiss. Randi can be reached at randik3@aol.com.

ell, I did a better job of hiding my diary from my sister when I was 12.

Twenty fringe House majority members have more power than the other 202.

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We don’t need Albany’s concrete fist in Nassau

New York has lost Oyster Bay. Well, more accurately, the state has lost 300,000 people — the town’s population — in just a single year.

Only California lost more people from domestic migration in the past year, and it wasn’t by much. But at least according to census numbers, New York can only watch as an average of 820 people move to another state. Each day.

Those are the kinds of numbers you’d expect from a state that’s struggling financially. But New York is anything but. In fact, it’s hard to find a time when New York was more prosperous. It’s just a prosperity that far too many people can’t afford to take part in.

“Over the last 10 years, our state had created 1.2 million jobs, but only 400,000 new homes,” Gov. Kathy Hochul said in her recent State of the State address.

Without a robust supply of homes, prices remain high. That’s great for developers and landlords, but bad for everyone else. The simple fact is, if our family members, friends and neighbors can’t afford to live in our communities, they’ll find a neighborhood where they can.

“Many forces led to this state of affairs,” Hochul said.

“But front and center are the local landuse policies that are the most restrictive in the nation. Through zoning, local communities hold enormous power to block growth.”

There are certainly benefits to such power, like preserving neighborhoods’ suburban single-family feel. But that feel isn’t cheap. The median sales price of homes in Nassau County in 2021 was $620,000, according to the state’s taxation and finance department. Outside New York City, the closest counties are Rockland, at $550,000, and Suffolk, at $510,000.

To afford a home like that, you’d have to

make at least $45 an hour — nearly three times the minimum wage. A typical salary in New York pays a little less than $25.

But you can’t work in New York if you can’t live in New York. And with the dearth of truly affordable housing, that just isn’t happening. It’s not that our local government officials don’t want affordable housing. It’s just that many don’t like the best way to create such housing: apartment buildings.

“Between full-on bans of multifamily homes, and onerous zoning and approval processes, they make it difficult — even impossible — to build new homes,” Hochul said. “Think about that. People want to live here, but local decisions to limit growth mean they cannot. Local governments can — and should — make different choices.”

Those choices need to begin here. Between 2010 and 2018, the governor said, counties like Nassau granted fewer building permits per capita than virtually all suburban counties across New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Northern Virginia and Southern California.

“With less supply, demand drives up prices,” Hochul said. “And who gets squeezed? Middle-income families and low-income families.”

Yet, not to fear, Hochul has a plan to fix it. She calls it the New York Housing Compact, and its intent is to build 800,000 new homes in the state over the next decade, setting “clear expectations for the growth we need, while at the same time giving localities plenty of tools, flexibility and resources to stimulate growth.”

Doing that requires downstate localities like Nassau to increase their housing stocks by 3 percent every three years. That can happen through redevelopment of dilapidated sites like old malls and office parks, incentivizing new housing production, or simply updating zoning rules.

In return, Hochul said, the state will offer new funding for schools, roads and sewers while removing some of the bureaucratic barriers standing in the way of new housing.

But failure to meet these goals on Hochul’s timetable means facing the governor’s mighty concrete fist. Albany will override local authority, and implement what she calls a “new fast-track approval process” to get home construction under way.

That’s one step too far. Forcing such change by trampling local government not only makes a bad mess worse, but also sets a bad precedent for the kind of power the governor wields over these communities.

What the concrete fist needs is a velvet glove in the form of incentives, as well as good education on what properly planned housing can bring.

There is a constant fear of city encroachment on our suburban way of life, but even a good suburb finds room for everyone from every walk of life.

How often do we hear friends talk about how much they enjoy visiting the vibrant town centers of places like Rockville Centre, Long Beach and Farmingdale? All of that is thanks to multifamily housing done right — not just for those who don’t necessarily make a lot of money, but for our young neighbors, who are just starting out in the world, and our older neighbors, looking to downsize and enjoy a simpler life.

This can happen by shining light on these successes, and how housing diversity grows neighborhoods rather than destroying them.

But let’s do it without the threats, without the negativity. Let’s provide the right incentives to make housing more affordable in our communities, and show why our Nassau County neighborhoods are indeed the best places to live.

LETTERS

Next week, a nationwide focus on school choice

To the Editor:

You likely don’t need me to tell you that children all over the country are suffering the academic consequences of the pandemic, and New York is no exception.

A 2022 survey revealed that 52 percent of American families were looking for a new school. To put it in personal terms, in a classroom of 25 students, 13 families are not satisfied with the education their children are receiving.

A great K-12 education for every child is no small undertaking, and we know there are many learning environments that help different students achieve their potential.

Every child is different — with different abilities, personality and needs. In a place like New

OPINIONS

Pence can persuade America he’s the president it needs

One thing I should have learned from my 28 years in Congress and the 15 years before that in the maelstrom of New York politics and government is that political life is very tough and all-consuming — especially at the national level.

Now that I’m away from the incessant turbulence of campaigning, and can wake up in the morning knowing I can go back to sleep and not have to worry during the day about prying reporters or angry constituents, I am increasingly aware of how unnatural the political world can be — and usually is.

This was reinforced for me during a recent meeting and subsequent radio interview with former Vice President Mike Pence. The meeting was in the fifth-floor Manhattan office of the Red Apple companies headed by John Catsimatidis, one of New York’s most successful entrepreneurs and business leaders. Among John’s companies is 77WABC Radio, which has

become a major political force in New York.

(Full disclosure: I am a 77WABC contributor and co-host, and consider Mike Pence a good friend.)

The meeting with the former vice president was the latest of many that Catsimatidis has had with prospective national and statewide candidates and political heavyweights. Joining him were a number of executives, staff members and Sid Rosenberg, who hosts the station’s most popular show.

It went well from the start. Though his questions about a possible presidential candidacy were probing, Catsimatidis made clear his admiration and respect for Pence. As did the participants. Pence’s demeanor was calm and relaxed, and his answers were thoughtful and coherent.

Following the 50-minute meeting, John, Mike Pence, Sid Rosenberg and I took the elevator down to the 77WABC studio on the second floor to record interviews with Sid for “Sid and Friends,” and with John and me for “Cats at Night.” On both floors, there were the

requisite photos with staff members, studio workers and technicians. Mike Pence handled it all with smiles and good humor. Then he was off to his next engagement with his four staff assistants.

All of this sounds calm and rational. But think of how many times Mike Pence must go through this drill. How many business and political leaders, how many special-interest advocates and former politicians must Mike Pence meet, and how many radio and television interviews must he do, realizing that one word or expressed thought taken out of context could endanger — or even torpedo — his possible campaign?

How many big cities, suburban centers and small towns must he visit? How many early mornings and late nights will he have?

How will he keep to his endless schedule? I couldn’t help but notice the understandably tense looks on the faces of the Pence assistants trying to keep him at least reasonably close to his schedule without offending anyone at these meetings, while thinking about how they

would explain his lateness at the next meeting, and the meetings after that.

Mike Pence’s real challenges, though, as he thinks through a presidential run, are:

■ Figuring out how to claim justifiable credit for his real contributions to the Trump-Pence administration while disclaiming the Trump excesses — particularly the shameful events of Jan. 6, 2021, when Pence acted with courage and honor.

■ Understanding how, in a time of political anger and rage, such a sharply divided nation can be persuaded to get behind a candidate of experience, knowledge and calm demeanor.

These challenges must be met while enduring the exhausting rigors of endless travel, interminable meetings, raising campaign funds, and unexpected news stories about the latest misadventures of Donald Trump. It won’t be easy. It will certainly be difficult. But I, for one, hope that Mike Pence stays in the arena, perseveres, and makes the run.

Peter King is a former congressman, and a former chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security. A version of this essay previously appeared in The Hill.

LETTERS

York, families need the flexibility to choose the school that will set their child up for success — whether it’s a traditional public school, a public charter school, a public magnet school, a private school, online learning or home-schooling.

If it’s been a while since you had school-aged children, you may not realize just how different the landscape of options is than it was even a decade ago.

A 2022 survey by the Harris Poll revealed that since the pandemic, home-schooling and public charter schools were the first and second most popular options for parents who decided to switch their children’s schools.

What’s more, some six in 10 parents said their children were happier with the change.

On the other hand, interest in open enrollment in traditional public schools, as well as magnet schools, remains high. Private school choice programs have expanded in many states in the last few years, and learning pods and micro-schools are a new and growing option.

But time is of the essence. Due to the explosion of education options in many places, application deadlines often fall as early as

January for the next academic year.

The upcoming National School Choice Week — Jan. 22-28 — will streamline things for parents through a national public awareness campaign and thousands of events hosted by schools around the country.

Parents who have chosen a school they love can also empower others by sharing their own experiences.

All families can help their kids achieve academic success.

The first step is to choose the perfect school fit, and the best way to do that is by being aware of the local options and regulations.

To learn about the academic alternatives in New York, parents can visit SchoolChoiceWeek.com/ new-york.

While parents in New York and across the country are exploring and choosing schools next week, I hope they can count on all of our support.

FRAMEWORK

by Carol Vallone

SHELBY DOYLE Nashville,

Tennessee

Doyle is vice president of public awareness of the National School Choice Awareness Foundation.

Catching Cinderella up on the news 1,100 miles away — Walt Disney World, Orlando

He should claim credit for his contributions while disclaiming Trump’s excesses.

PETER KING